Question Why is my new storage SSD repeatedly heating up while idle?

[Dave Superuser]

I installed a new ‘Kingspec P3–4TB’ SSD into my PC. This is not the system disk, but only a storage drive.

While idling, with no reads or writes to the SSD, the temperature rises from 44 up to 60+ Celsius. After 10 or 15 minutes, the temperature drops down to 44 Celsius again. Then about every 70 minutes or so after, the idle SSD heats up to 60+ degrees.

Apparently, some automated process is operating that causes internal activity, but it is not shown on the hardware monitor; ie.: no significant data is moving/reading/writing during the heating period according to the device activity monitor.

I switched my storage device settings not to power off indefinitely, and yet the temperature rose again.

I have another SSD, an M.2, which operates my OS, and it maintains a constant temperature while operating minimal systems and apps.

I contacted Kingspec and asked them about this, but they did not respond as of yet.

New P3–4TB SSD shows regular temperature changes while idling…
https://ibb.co/QHFgXdg

Operating system M.2 shows no temperature fluctuation during the same period…
https://ibb.co/NKsNS0F

 

[lvt]

Where did you install the SSD in your computer case?

 

[Dave Superuser]

Where did you install the SSD in your computer case?

I installed it in the conventional correct position for an SSD, using mounting screws. It sits above the HDDs on a metal rack plate, one side up, the other facing and screwed to the metal.

I replaced an old SSD from the same position using the same connectors for power and to the board.

Installation is not the issue, it is an internal function of the SSD...

Here is this morning's "heat performance"... Weirder...
https://ibb.co/txGPd9d

 

[lvt]

Installation is not the issue, it is an internal function of the SSD...

If you installed the SSD in front of a fan (or in an area covered by the fan), the SSD's body can dissipate a lot of heat.

I noticed a difference of 12~15°C on my SSD with the fan on and off.